Title : Before Coffee Gets Col
Author : Toshikazu Kawaguchi
Published date : 6 December 2015
Genres : Novel | Magical Realism | Time Travel Fiction
Length : 348 pages
Favorite Character : __
Rating : ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Summary
Before the Coffee Gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi is a beautifully bittersweet tale set in a small, hidden café in Tokyo—one that holds a magical secret. In this cozy, dimly lit café, there’s a particular seat that allows customers to travel back in time. But there are strict rules:
☕ You can only meet someone who has visited the café before.
⏳ No matter what you do, you can’t change the present.
💔 And most importantly—you must finish your coffee before it gets cold, or you’ll be trapped in time.
The novel unfolds through the emotional journeys of four different visitors, each longing to reconnect with someone from their past. A woman who regrets not stopping her lover from leaving. A wife desperate for one last conversation with her husband. A sister seeking closure. A mother hoping to meet the daughter she never got to know.
Though the past cannot be rewritten, each traveler discovers something profound—sometimes, all we need is a moment to say what was left unsaid. With a touch of magic, warmth, and deep emotions, Before the Coffee Gets Cold reminds us that even the smallest moments can change how we move forward.
My Thought
Before the Coffee Gets Cold is a touching and bittersweet story about a small café in Tokyo where people can travel back in time—but only under strict rules. They must sit in a special seat, they can’t change the present, and they have to return before their coffee gets cold.
The book follows four people who use this chance to revisit a moment in their past—whether to say goodbye, seek answers, or find closure. It’s a quiet, emotional read that makes you reflect on love, regret, and the power of a single moment.
My Review
f you enjoy books that are deeply reflective, atmospheric, and filled with quiet emotions, Before the Coffee Gets Cold is a beautiful read. It’s the kind of book that lingers in your mind and makes you appreciate the small moments in life.
However, if you prefer fast-paced, immersive storytelling with deep character exploration, this might feel too slow and distant.
I’d say this book is perfect for cozy, thoughtful reading, maybe with a warm cup of tea or coffee. ☕
✨__Firdos Abdul__✨